Southard: Patrol needed for illegal fireworks

A Tequila Sunrise firework burns atop a watermelon . &#8220;Safe and Sane&#8221; fireworks have been legal in Huntington Beach for two July Fourth holidays, but the use of illegal fireworks has also skyrocketed. JOSHUA SUDOCK, THE ORANGE COUNTY REGISTER

After reading the excellent but flawed article by Councilman Joe Carchio (“Fireworks gave Huntington Beach plenty to celebrate,” July 26), I feel compelled to respond.

He states that after a two-year experiment, we can count the many benefits our city received, but he failed to mention that since that experiment, the number of illegal fireworks and calls to police to stop illegal fireworks has also dramatically increased.

“Safe and Sane” fireworks are OK, but only when they are used by sane people – and, unfortunately, many who purchase these fireworks are not.

Since the inception of this experiment, our neighborhood has seen an increase of illegal fireworks, and they are used not just on the Fourth of July.

M-80s, cherry bombs, skyrockets, etc. fill the skies over Huntington Beach, but most of this goes unnoticed by city officials who are looking toward the pier and other downtown events that take our police resources away from those who call to report illegal activities.

Has anyone asked the Police Department how many such calls they've received? How many they've responded to? Or even worse, couldn't be responded to because of downtown activity?

We called to report these types of fireworks being set off in our neighborhood, yet not one police car responded. Why? I can answer that: Law enforcement was too busy taking care of the problems downtown.

This, of course, is not the fault of our fine Police Department but a result of where priorities are set.

For those who have pets, July 4 is the worst day of the year. Dogs have very sensitive hearing and these explosions drive these animals crazy. Checking with OC Animal control, the day after the Fourth is the largest pickup day of stray animals that have run from noises caused by illegal fireworks.

By reading the above, many may think I am against fireworks in Huntington Beach. I am not. I can see the benefits that “Safe and Sane” fireworks bring to the city, but all of us who don't live downtown still should have some resources that can help put and end to or at least reduce the illegal fireworks shows north of downtown.

What I would like to suggest is simple: Go to Page 2 of the Wave and you will see the police blotter. There are four areas listed. Give area 1, 2 and 4 each two dedicated, roving patrol cars to respond to calls in their assigned area only.

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